Giants GM Brian Sabean revealed an interesting bit of news on the conference call to announce the Giants’ two-year deal (with an option) for Aubrey Huff.

Sabean said he received clearance to match the roughly $22 million that another club had offered to Huff, ensuring the Giants could bring back their top offensive performer last year. Sabean didn’t specify the team, which makes for a nice parlor game for y’all. (What the heck, I’ll guess the Texas Rangers.)

So it’s obvious that the money to Huff is beyond what the Giants had budgeted. And Sabean made it clear that he’ll have to tighten up in other areas as a result.

Most significantly, Sabean backed away from an earlier statement that he planned to retain all eight of the Giants’ arbitration-eligible players. While he still has interest in all of them, he said the team might have to make some tough choices now.

Cody Ross should receive the biggest salary among those eight, but Sabean made it clear that Ross will be on the team and in the opening-day lineup.

Adding my analysis, it’s obvious that Jonathan Sanchez and Javier Lopez will be tendered contracts. But it seems evident to me that Mike Fontenot would top the list of arbitration players whose projected salary would be least justifiable given his apparent role as an infield reserve.

The deadline is Dec. 2 to tender contracts to these players.

Here are other offseason bits to emerge from the call:

–The Giants talked with a free-agent shortstop from another club today. Go ahead and pretend it’s Derek Jeter, if that makes you all weak in the knees. Who knows? It might have been, given the way talks with the Yankees have progressed thus far. (Jeter won’t be offered arbitration by the Yankees, it was reported recently.) And we all know who was the Yankees’ scouting director on the day Jeter was drafted.

–Juan Uribe remains a priority for the Giants, but Sabean said the pace of negotiations is different because he’s receiving a lot of interest from clubs in a market that is thin on third basemen as well as shortstops. Sabean said they are looking for Uribe to return as a shortstop, for now.

–Bruce Bochy said top prospect Brandon Belt is likely to “make some noise in spring training.”

–Sabean said he has texted and talked to Pat Burrell to let him know the club plans to take care of other business before revisiting his situation. I’d add that Burrell would duplicate the role that Mark DeRosa is likely to have on next year’s team.

–And what about the Giants’ other corner infield spot? Well, Pablo Sandoval changed his plans for the most important offseason of his young life. He’s not going to stay in San Diego. Instead, he’ll spend the winter in Arizona, where it will be easier for club officials and trainers to keep tabs on him. Manager Bruce Bochy said the decision was “all Pablo” and he won’t be working out at the club’s complex in Scottsdale, nor will he be supervised every day. It’s pretty obvious that the club feels better about this current plan, though, as Sandoval looks to address major weight/conditioning issues.

–In case you missed it, the White Sox claimed right-hander Waldis Joaquin off waivers. Joaquin was throwing 96 mph gas in spring training to make the 2010 opening-day roster, but he had trouble throwing strikes and durability was an issue for him. The Giants currently have two vacancies on their 40-man roster, following the Huff signing.

–Carl Steward will be at the Huff news conference at the ballpark and handle all duties for the newspaper. Check out his stories once they’re posted with all the direct quotes and notes from today.

Andrew Baggarly

Andrew Baggarly has documented the most eventful era in San Francisco Giants baseball history, having covered the team since 2004 for th​ree major media outlets including the San Jose Mercury News and the Oakland Tribune​. This is his 20th season as a baseball writer.
​Baggarly is the author of the bestselling book, A Band of Misfits: Tales of the 2010 San Francisco Giants, and the newly published Giant Splash: Bondsian Blasts, World Series Parades and Other Thrilling Moments By the Bay. Baggarly’s other notable life accomplishments include running as the Bratwurst in the Milwaukee Sausage Race and becoming a three-time Jeopardy! champion.

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I think it was the Cubs who offered the 22 million.
I’m glad Ross will be part of the team. He said in this video that he would love to be part of the Giants for years to come but it is not up to him.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgs6mhg-mas

Yeah, Rangers was more of a joke guess. I thought of the Cubs, too. Or … what about the Diamondbacks? That’s my final answer. They just cut ties with Adam LaRoche, after all. Amazing how the carousel works in this game, huh? -AB

55saveslives

We lose HR’s if we don’t get Uribe back. Although he did hit a career high, so there’s no guarantee he does it again.

Since many SS appear to be on the market we should be looking at…

Stephen Drew
JJ Hardy
Marco Scutaro
Jason Bartlett

Paul S

Just throwing this out, How about Castilla for Bartlett?

Danya

That’s nice that Belt will make some noise in spring training. But will he make some noise in Major League Baseball any time soon? He looks ready and I would have thought the Giants were changing from their prospect-averse ways after how Posey turned out, but I’m not so sure…

Let’s Get Free

What about that Japanese shortstop? A switch hitter with speed sounds perfect for the Giants. Any news on that, Baggs? Isn’t the deadline 5:00PM today?
I haven’t written a word on Nishioka because I knew the Giants weren’t going to get involved. Heard during the playoffs that they like him a little bit, but don’t see him as an impact player — and he won’t come cheap. -AB

DProfessor

Jeter??????? NO!!!!!!!! The horror!!!!!

the humm baby

waldis joaquin gone?!?!?

and jesus guzman got picked up by the padres. the franchise is falling apart!!!! *sarcasm*

1954 and waiting (no more)

I’d love to know if Huff can play a decent 3rd base if Belt is ready to start and play 1st next year.

I have always been scared of the Giants signing Jeter. Hopefully, he is well out of their budget. But signing an older player with declining skills is not the way this club should go. But, Sabean has always overpaid for middle of the field players, and a Jeter signing wouldn’t shock me. I just HOPE that ownership doesn’t believe that the fans would cheer a Jeter signing.

walt kovacs

doesnt look like uribe is gonna come back…huge loss

left side of the if is a big question mark

of and bench seem to be set

need to get rowand off the squad

walt kovacs

baggs…why would the rangers be a joke guess?

they saw huff first hand…know he is a home town boy…

this is probably the final contract of his career

rangers need a new dh….huff can alternate between the field and dh…saving his knees

so i think the other team was more likely an al squad that now is flush with caishe…the rangers fit the bill

i figured most teams would see huff not being worth more than 8-9 mil for 2… but with their new tv contract, the rangers can afford to overspend

ed c

Great rundown Baggs. I assume that if Belt works out, none of us should forget that Huff proved to be a less than swift but serviceable outfielder too (although the $11m per seems high) which gives the team flexibility.

How to construct the Left side of the infield and left field are the issue (as well as who to not offer arbitration). Think Uribe is going elsewhere. Can’t believe Jeter will leave the Yankees. SS may be a challenge… Would keep Fontenot..

Trades should start to pop in another month. I’m guessing that Sabean may be more active than in years past.

darryl0

Great work, as always, Baggs – thanks for keeping us informed with all the inside scoops.

As for the “other team”, my guess would be the Dodgers. They need a LF now that Podsednik turned them down, and they would love to hurt the Giants by stealing Huff away. Huff would also give Ned the option of trading away the disappointing James Loney for pitching help if they can find another LF. The D’Backs and Padres would also fit into this same box, except that I believe that both of those teams has already stated that they are looking to shed salary next season.

OrangeandBlack

Sign Uribe for two years (plus an option if you want) and have him play SS next year. After Freddy’s contract expires after 2011, unless he has a crazy good year, switch Uribe to second and put Brandon Crawford at SS if he’s ready. Uribe was so clutch in so many of his HRs and RBI if the Giants lose him for a .280 singles hitting SS, the team will be sunk.

Andres Monsalve

And who do you think is the most pissed off right now???? Adam LaRoche for turning down the Giants last year and being released by the dbags after only 1 season. haha!

Livermore Tim

Slight overpay for Huff but just two years is good. If Belt is indeed ready to start in the majors next year then Huff can slide to LF without problem.

Hope Pablo has a successful two months in AZ and gets on a conditioning program that can enable him to be a useful major league third baseman for the next five years and a hitter for the next 15. Fingers crossed…

Don’t waste breath on the Jeter rumor — he’s not leaving the Bronx. I expect Bartlett to be with the Giants next year — with the loss of bullpen arms and excess middle infielders in Tampa I can see a trade here. Casilla? Runzler? Mr. Jazz Hands is going to get more years and dollars than the Giants care to spend… Cardinals need help…

edwood

SS is a huge question IMO. Seems 2 me that other things will fall into place if the SS position is solid. A few relievers and a prospect to Tampa for Bartlett would be HUGE IMO. Huff can go to the OF and/or 3B and youth can be added with Belt @ 1B.

radicalpro

Good to see this type of follow-up on the Huff deal. I find it interesting when people complain about $$ given to a player and “overpaying”. Well, there is something called market value and competition from other teams. Sometimes if you want someone you need to shell out some $$. If they could have gotten Huff for 2yrs/$10M I’m sure they would have.

I’m hoping now they can sign Uribe. Not too many SS options out there, so he might also command some big bucks.

Also, anyone like the idea of getting Carlos Pena? If he can be had for a 2010 Huff type of deal (as some sites like mlbtraderumors has speculated) I’m all for it. I’m optimistic about Belt but am not ready to anoint him the next Buster Posey just yet.

John

I don’t want Uribe back unless its a one year deal.

hari

NATIONALS REFUSED DUNN NOW A FREE AGENT. HE COULD BE A GREAT BENCH GUY FOR LATE INNINGS.

URIBE IS MUCH BETTER THAN JETER AT SS AND MAY BE LESS EXPENSIVE.

The_Beard

Derek Jeter, no thanks.

jerseygiant

Zito should make a considerable holiday donation back to the Giants so they can re-sign the rest of the core players. And here’s to a very thankful
Thanksgiving to all of us loyal fans!

cynic

Uribe is more valuable for his glove. I’d hate to lose his D at 3rd (or SS).

Giant49er

Brandon Belt could be the backup 1b (replacing Ishikawa) and a backup outfielder (replacing Nate Schierholtz), which could free up some roster space for the likes of Fontenot or a returning Edgar Renteria.

Let’s Get Free

I was okay paying a premium for Huff, but not for Uribe. I wouldn’t go for a multi-year deal with him. (No disrespect; I love what he did for the team.) The Giants should count on Ross and DeRosa (as much as possible, given the uncertainty of his wrist) to take Uribe’s place as the right-handed hitter giving you 20-25 HRs.

Remember when Torres got hurt and Rowand and Renteria batted lead-off? There is too much risk going into the season with Torres, with one productive season under his belt and a history of injuries, as the team’s only legitimate leadoff hitter. Now that Huff is signed, I think the number one priority should be acquiring a shortstop with speed and range who can bat leadoff as needed.

darwin

zito can’t restructure his deal. player’s union will not allow it.

prima facie

” … I expect Bartlett to be with the Giants next year … ”

Livermore, and I expect it’ll be Hanley Ramirez. I could be wrong, though.

KingStBaller

Casilla and Runzler are too good to trade for Bartlett. Had Runzler not dislocated his knee, Lopez would not be a Giant and we would have watched Runzler strike out Howard and Hamilton. Casilla is the Wilson insurance package for 2011.

Huff will play 1B and RF, not LF

Uribe will be resigned to a 1 year deal as the opening day SS unless someone else gives him a multi-year deal (see 2009 offseason) I don’t see any Omar’s or Renteria’s out there.

Pablo will be the opening day 3B

Sadly, Pat Burrell, who carried the Giants to the NL West title, will not be back.

Syd Thrift

#26:

When he plays the outfield, I suspect Huff will be playing LF. RF next year is Ross’s.

Uribe will not be re-signed to a one-year deal if he’s already getting multi-year offers from other teams like the Cards. That’s the reason Sabean is already working on SS options either by way of trade or FA: they are preparing to be outbid for Uribe and don’t want to wait on him and watch their SS options dry up. If anything, Sabean will nail down a SS in the coming weeks. Uribe, if he comes back to the Giants, may come back as a 3B.

SFGIANTS#1

Great to have Huffdaddy back, “LET’S GET WEIRD” Awesome clubhouse guy and IMO we didn’t overpay we essentially signed a 3yr 25mil deal with the first year (last season) being the discount year and that brought us a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! (That’ll never get old saying or typing!) GO GIANTS!

I want Uribe back, but we’ll see how crazy the deals are being offered for him. Also, I think Burrell will be back some way or another, because power off the bench is hard to come by and I trully believe he helped the chemistry of this team as much or more than Huffdaddy.

Woody

Syd: Good call. Uribe is NOT coming for one year. He did that last year and will get lots of interest from several clubs based on his very clutch 2010. I’m guessing 2 years and a player’s option for a third. Unfortunately, SS just isn’t a strength for the Giants. I still don’t understand why Freddie Sanches gets so little love on this (and other) Giant blogs. Go back and look at the Giants last 20 games thru the World Series. He played as well defensively as anyone. For a team that relies on pitching and defense to keep them in games Freddie was nails.

KingStBaller

Gloves to the line big Syd, Huff in RF, Ross in LF. I suspect that Derosa will be in LF and Ross in RF and Huff at 1B as the norm. I was more responding to post #14 who has Belt displacing Huff into LF.

Uribe would be back IF no one gives him a multi-year deal, just like last year. IF.

Giants are not prospect adverse, they are just adverse to prospects who are not that good. Lowry, Lincecum, Cain, Sanchez, Bumgarner, Wilson, Romo, Sandoval, Posey, they were all prospects and all brought up and not sent back up and down.

Sabean said that if Belt produces in spring, the Giants will make space for him in the lineup, nobody will hold him back, whether in spring or later in the season. That’s why Huff is a good signing from that viewpoint, he could play LF or RF when Belt forces his way up, and don’t worry, he will.

After further review!!!

Hari, they are not going to sign Dunn and have him on the bench. He is going to get $10 mil a year. To much for a bench player.

JoeMets86

Giants still need some power. Let’s not forget Torres is a ??? for production in 2011 and Ross was actually cut by the Marlins and only became an everyday player after Guillen was banished. Giants need Sandoval to step up with some power in 2011.

Mike Souza

Brian Sabean signed many, many mid 30’s players who failed in the recent past, so when he signed Huff I was totally against it. I have never been so happy to be wrong in all my life because Huff was a great clubhouse guy & more importantly a solid middle of the order hitter. But I must admit it is frustrating to to hear Sabean talk about tightening up in payroll in other areas as if the GIANTS are in the red & losing money. I guess they used that postseason ticket/merchandise money on deferred Barry Bonds payments huh? HaHa. I just hope they get a younger/atlhetic a little bit every year so we don’t end up like we were a few years ago in 2012 & beyond. Because honestly in my eyes Sabean didn’t change his approach, he just hit on some of the older players he signed the last 2 seasons instead of failing msierably as in years past. I am very pumped up for 2011 & have faith our GM has found his late90’s/early 2000’s mojo & will put the right guys on the roster. 2010 WORLD SERIES CHAMPION SF GIANTS & nobody can ever take that away!!!

Huff Daddy coming back is wonderful. He was a huge part of last year, from the start to GM 5.

SS? Let’s not lose our heads and start trading away young talent for older talent (Barlett.) Someone will shake out, remember there’s always a Cabrera or Eckstein out there to be had.

dodgerh8r

Radicalpro, I couldn’t agree with you more … as someone else pointed out here, you really have to view Huff’s deal as a 3 yr/$25 mil deal if you count last year’s salary. It’s partially a make-good contract for his contributions in 2010. If you view it as essentially 3 yrs, $25 m, it comes out to a little over $8 mil a year. Not bad for a guy of Huff’s caliber …

livefree

Ridiculous … you don’t look at this as a “make good” for last year, unless Zito is offering to pay some of it for HIS “make good.” You judge the market each year, and it’s hard to see that a first baseman (the easiest position to fill) who doesn’t hit .300 nor hit 30 HRs with a history of inconsistency is worth north of $10 mill. Probably another overpayment, especially, as Baggs, detailed, there are so many needs. First base should typically be your last concern.

livefree

Fellow fans … please remember how the Giants won: Pitching and clutch hitting in the playoffs. Clutch hitting comes and goes (historical analysis suggests it is more luck than anything else), so some of these hitters we’re worried about aren’t really all THAT, folks. Huff is a lot of fun, but the numbers put him far from elite classification. Uribe was clutch, but look at his overall numbers again before thinking the Giants have to have him (as opposed to an OFer or better defensive SS).

Bottom line: The Giants can win again with or without Huff and Uribe. I’d be thrilled to have them back, but neither is worth a premium price or long contract. The odds are simply against them repeating their 2010 performance.

howtheyscored

If Jeter were to sign with the Giants for say 4/$60M you can go to the bank with at least 2 more championships for the Giants. Throw in a Sanchez for Fielder or Morneau and dynasty time!

Roger

Love the fact we re-signed Huff. He was great all year and gives us a very good LH power hitter. Uribe I would like to see back also but not at the price people are saying.

We gotta remember the money is very important factor here. Not just for 2011 but also beyond. Cain gets a huge raise to $7M next year and $15M in 2012 . Then free agency for him and Lincecum. The starting rotation is the heart of this team and they need to stay together. I like Uribe a lot , but they can’t give him a contract that could hamper the ability to keep that great young staff in Giants Uniforms.

Hopefully they bring back Pat the Bat. Honestyly without his contributions they never make the playoffs . He is a great power bat off the bench and could provide some starts throughout the season. Plus him and Huff really carry that clubhouse.

Roger

#42

I don’t want that Overrated piece of junk anywhere near my team. Did you watch any of last season? $15M per year for a 37 year old SS who hit .260 last year. No way.

And enough of the trading J. Sanchez talk. Picthing wins championshiops. We won the W.S. becasue we had 4 frontline starters , while other teams had 2 maybe 3 , no one could match us.

Angry Dan

Overpayment.

There is no such thing as a “make good” contract. If there is, then I’m still waiting for Zito and Rowand to go against the players union and give a big chunk of their salaries back to the Giants to make the team stronger for 2011.

Why do we whine about overpayments? It’s not because we care about the Giants making profits. The Giants have a strict payroll budget of $100-$105 million. Any player that is overpaid means the Giants can’t spend money to improve elsewhere. They’re already working with essentially a $70 million payroll with $30+ million in dead money tied up in Zito and Rowand. Now they’ve got $11 million of the $70 million tied up over the next 2 seasons in a 34-year old 1B who has only had 4 above average months in his last 2 seasons. If the Giants had an unlimited payroll or if they came out and said that the portion they overpaid Huff by will be extra money into the payroll budget that wouldn’t have otherwise been there, then great. But, Sabean already admitted that now he can’t bring back all of the players he wanted to bring back because of this contract. Unfortunately with an already inefficient payroll as it is, now the Giants will really have to find a lot more gems out of the free agent scrap heap to fill out the roster and win the World Series again. They did it in 2010. Now with the Huff contract, they’re going to have to dig deeper into that scrap heap.

Ed C.

I think the Giants are a lot closer to done than Sabean would have us think, if you believe that Belt can make the team. (If he is not playing all the time he shouldn’t make the team). The only remaining hole is SS (there will always be question marks of course). Uribe is gone I think.

What Sabean will trade (here’s an idea…he might see what value there is for Andres Torres) to improve the team will be intriguing. Rowand and his contract isn’t going anywhere without another bad contract coming back…and besides Rowand is a pro…

De Rosa replaces Burrell and/or can play 3b if Pablo doesn’t drop a couple of bowling balls this winter, then Ross, Torres, Huff/Belt w Nate S and Rowand is the OF.

What is astounding is when you look at our $100 million dollar payroll and you think to yourself, where did all that money go? Lincecum, Cain, and Sanchez are making decent money but not superstar money. What’s even more astounding… we won the world series last year. What an effed up world we live in.

Scutaro coming?

There is a rumor going around that the locals will give up a bullpen arm for Scutaro…Solid player who can also bat leadoff if needed. With Belt in the wings and Huff/Panda able to play first too, I would certainly not trade for any first baseman. So Scutaro makes sense: he has one year left on his contract and the Giants have Crawford or the San Jose kid in the wings for 2012. I would not give Uribe more than 2 years (like Huff). His signing would give them some depth and pinch-hitting in case of injuries. I would let Burrell go: he had a nice last part of the season but died in the playoffs. It was sad. I would keep Schierholz for defense in the late innings and keep Ishi if possible…. Don’t trade Runtzler (#5 starter when Zito departs), but I would include Affelt in the Scutaro deal. It should be an interesting winter…

avwh

I think Huff was a priority for Sabean & the Giants because he’s not just a 1Bman – he showed he can play OF, too. And he was going to attract offers, given his 2010 season and the MVP voting he garnered.

It’s not so much Huff’s money (which is deserved on one level) that crimps the Giants’ budget – it’s Rowand and Zito’s dead money that kills our salary flexibility in 2011.

CB

Sign Jeter and Burrell and re-sign the arbitration players and call it a day.

I think Uribe is going to the Reds or Yankees even if Jeter signs elsewhere.

RealBobbyBonilla

The Giants offered Uribe arbitration. He’ll get more than is deserved, but will still be a Giant.

@ Angry Dan – isn’t this they stystem at almost every level and even worse after a club wins a World Series, especially with players who other teams considered marginal at best.
I though Huff played for the league minimum last year?

@ Nates’ mom = what were “they” saying about Nate, I must have missed something

@ CB – Jeter is going nowhere but the Yankees.

Rxmeister

I don’t buy anything Sabean says, so I’m skeptical about his comments today about the arbitration players and Uribe. I think the comment about talking to a free agent SS was a subtle threat to Uribe to lower his contract demands if he wanted to remain a Giant. I also think his comments about the arb players was a threat to get their demands in line as well. This Huff money is pretty much last year’s Renteria money, and the Giants still have plenty to spend.

SCurryn

If you are concerned about pablo being out of condition and swinging at crap — how can you not see that Uribe is just an older version of that?

Yes — Juan was great for us this year, but I could see his clutch bat & D declining overnight.

dregarx

@Scutaro Coming?

I would trade Affeldt, RamRam, and Ray if it meant acquiring Scutaro.

prima facie

Rx, doubt Juan Uribe would come back as the starting shortstop anyway. He flourished in a super-utility role and ought to stay there.

Unless the best they can do at short is Brian Bocock.

doc_riverz

Jeter would be a terrible mistake unless he would realize he is worth less at this stage of his career. (Which I doubt his ego would allow.) However, if he had a reality attack and wanted to be a member of a TEAM and have some fun and do some good work with the Giants then perhaps…
I’m not holding my breath.

Nate’sMom

@RealBobby—stuff like my boy doesn’t have any power. He doesn’t hit Hr’s (was never a Hr type hitter), but he does have good doubles power. Nate was a very good opposite field hitter until the Giants management tried to make him become a “power (ie., ‘homerun’) hitter.” Same with Ishi, good gap to gap guy until the ‘Homerun” suggestion got in his head.

ClutchUp

@ Doc
Jeter is NOT leaving the Yankees, so relax. Sabean was part of the scouting bureau guys whos scouted, followed and drafted the now 37 yr old Jeter. Jeter is a Yankee for life.

@ Prima – I think Uribe will be satisfied with Arb and he will be back.

@ Scurryn – Good call on Uribe being another year older- BTW – its not as if Uribe is exactly a physcial specimen as far as being in shape BUT his physique does not alter what he brings to the table.

@ Dregarx – I’ve lost trak of Scutaro since he left the A’s. Can you fill in?

@ Rxmeister – way too negative don’t you think regarding Sabean? It’s not his first rodeo but the Sabean bashers will never die with their Lunatic Fringe element and their FireSabean.com web site. What about all the other GM’s of various clubs who never EVER produce.

News: Pablo was going to San Diego with his new girl friend to do his conditioning but has changed his mind. Now heading to Phoenix.

It sounds a little mysterious that Pablo will be working out in Arizona, but not at the Scottsdale facility, or under supervision. I don’t care if he works out in Alaska, as long as he takes this seriously and loses that snow tire that he tries to run with. Sure hope someone works with him on patience at the plate, please, as this is as bad a problem as that beer belly of a gut. Is Derosa really a better option than Burrell? I would almost rather have the threat of Pat’s bat than a guy who missed almost the whole year with a bad wrist. Oh well, maybe Derosa can play third if Pablo balloons to 400lbs.

RealBobbyBonilla

@ Nates mom

Thanks for the details. I had not seen that. Haters are everywhere.

RealBobbyBonilla

DeRosa’s last surgery…Can he check his swing on a 94+++ fast ball. Only then will we know for sure that he’s back. Players hurt their bodies on swing throughs and check swings.

Rxmeister

I didn’t mean to be so negative about Sabean, because all GM’s play this game. I just think he said those things to let Uribe and the arb players know that just because the Giants won it all, and are a pretty rich team, it doesn’t mean that everybody’s getting Huff type money. Even the Yankees are playing this same game, telling Jeter to go elsewhere if he thinks he can do better.

Bdub

Uribe is not an everyday shortstop anymore so I have no issues with him leaving unless he signs for one year – which he wont do and wont have to do his time around. Some players go for the money and then when they have it, they want to get the ring. For Uribe, time to go for the money now that he has TWO rings. If we get a Bartlett, we’re better off anyway.

Burrell – gone. That’s obvious, no need to speculate. Jeter – never anything but a Yankee. No need to speculate.

No comparison between Uribe and Pablo with respect to weight issues. There’s being on the heavy side and then there’s virtual morbid obesit

And REALLY no need to speculate – lineup for next year. It’s a waste of time at this point.

It’s Messey

If we trade for a ss Id like to see Jose Reyes come aboard. I know he’s had injuries the past few seasons but when healthy he steals 50 bags and has some pop. He could be a great addition to the top or bottom of the order.

jaxfor3

A resounding no to Jason Bartlett. The guy has one career year in 2009 with a slash line of .320/.380/.490 and he’s all the rage. If you take out that one year, he would have a career slash line of .270/.335/.338. That is worse than the light-hitting Freddy Sanchez who sports a slash line of .298/.335/.414. Bartlett doesn’t even have gold glove defense to make up for his light hitting. In fact, he is dead last in fielding among qualified shortstops:

If you lower the innings, you can even see Uribe and Renteria ahead of the guy.

Bdub

#68…good call on Bartlett not so much on his “line” but I thought he was much younger with upside. Scratch that on onto the next…Scutaro? As Sabean said, it’s thin on the left side.

Leonard Bonilla

I want to talk a little about Pablo Sandoval. There has been much said and written about his weight and conditoning. I don’t disagree, however have you taken a good look at Prince Fielder? This man has a huge “gut”, his thighs and butt are huge and when he runs its like watching a plastic bag full of jello. No-one says anything about his weight. His “uni” is so large it hides all thet fat. You could put two players in his uniform.

Sandoval needs to slim down but more then that he needs to get his eye and his swing back. He used to be able to hit anything close to the plate. They messed with his vision in the spring and everything went to hell after that. Hopefully he has adjusted to his contacts IF he is still wearing them

Wouls one of you writers check that out?

fumblin’ frank

Bring back Ray Durham and John Bowker !!!

garygraul

@#8 Huff had by far his best defensive year (and best year overall before last year) playing primarily 3rd base for Tampa in 2004. It might be worth a try to play him there to make room for Belt.
@#45 You far understated the Giants’ payroll situation. With Huff’s contract, they are already committed to $88M for next season. That doesn’t include arbitration for J.Sanchez and Torres nor the many players who will be on minimum salaries.
After signing Uribe or another SS (an absolute necessity if they want to be competitive) and Lopez, there will be virtually nothing left.
The team you see now is what you’ll get.

Nate’sMom

Good news on DeRosa. He gives the team flexibilty and insurance when the starters are slumping.

Pablo is serious about his conditioning. Perhaps This newfound discipline with his weight loss will translated into a new attitude and more discipline overall, like with his hitting.

On the Brandon Belt watch, according to Chris Haft, it seems as though the Giants regard him as sure thing.

Won’t that be fun, to have another young, homegrown player. I also hope that Manyy Burriss steps it up and wins the SS position. I love his speed and his terrific arm. If he could just hit .280…

darryl0

As I surmised in post #11 above, it was the Dodgers that were trying to steal Huff away from the Giants. Here’s what Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports is reporting:

“After re-signing free-agent first baseman Aubrey Huff to a two-year, $22 million contract, Giants GM Brian Sabean told reporters, “One other club accelerated their interest and we played tag with that and were able to get in a position where we matched what the other club did.”
Who was that other club? The Dodgers, according to major-league sources. It could not be confirmed whether the Dodgers actually matched the Giants’ offer, but the team had definite interest in Huff, sources said. Huff, who turns 34 on Dec. 20, could have fit the Dodgers at first base if the team traded James Loney or in left field as an upgrade over Jay Gibbons.”

Special Agent Ned loves him those ex-Giants.

Keep’n It Real

I think it really cool that the Giants off-season is something we can all get excited about. With our pitching, a repeat isn’t out of the question.

The one thing I’ve noticed the past few years if free agents that switch leagues and tend not to perform. Giants examples alone are Zito (AL->NL), Burrell (NL->AL), and Huff (NL->AL). Burrell and Huff both showed some life after comaing back to the NL. Yes…Halladay is an excepton.

Anyway…I would rather have Sabean spen money on proven NL guys, than AL guys that you hope can do something in the NL. Carl Crawford? He’s the only AL guy I would throw $$ at; just because the upside could be huge. If he doesn’t work out in the NL, there are many AL teams that would take him. Lee? No way.

This is why I would go after Adam Dunn. Put Huff Daddy in right, Cody in left, and have a proven bomber hitting cleanup. Ishy and Nate could be late inning replacements. This would also allow us to go after a long-term shortstop solution…because Dunn’s production would make us forget about Uribe’s spot on the roster (and his hit/miss results). Belt? If he is as good as they say, they can Buster-schedule him…and use Dunn as trade bait to fill in holes discovered during the season and for more prospects.

Last thing…someone mentioned Zito’s replacement…we have a guy named Zach Wheeler in the farm system. This is the guy who will take Zito’s spot when he leaves. If you have ESPN Insider, Keith Law did a nice piece about Wheeler pitching against the Dodgers’ Zach Lee. (Zach Lee vs. Zack Wheeler is the title)

SFFAN-N-OKC

The Huff signing although a bit higher than I wanted to see if still a pretty good deal for a .290 hitter with some pop. I also agree with the poster who stated if you spread it out over 3 years the deal loooks even better.

Uribe is gone in my opinion as he will want a multi-year contract at over 6 million/per. With the emergance of Belt who I think will be a solid hitter there is no need to resign Burrell who will want more than 5 million a year.

That line-up is wayyyyyyyyy better than last years version and I think it can carry a SS that hits .220 and bats out of the 8 hole. That SS is Ehire Adrianza.

The kid has the best glove in the organization and superior range that will save runs. Everyone has said from day one, as we entered AT&T, that we needed to get younger and play defense. I get the love for Burriss and Brandon Crawford but if the 8 hole is going to be weak anyway lets get the best glove in there and play our SS of the future.

orngendblck

Orlando Cabrera is one of the few free agent SS available that will be reasonably priced. Neither the Giants nor any other team will pay Jeter $15M/year so Jeter will resign with the Yankees unless he just wants to go elsewhere.

I seriously doubt the Giants will attempt to sign anyone else before December 2 when clubs will offer arbitration to their 3-6 year players. Several SS might be available after that date. Uribe hit well in the first half of the season and had a few key RBIs in the second half of the season but his average fell sharply. Too many wild swing and misses.

I think the Giants will try and keep Torres, Ross, Sanchez, Lopez, and Casilla. They could attempt to trade Rameriz and Ray before December 2 to a club who badly needs relievers and would off them arbitration.

There will be many players available after December 2, so there is no rush to sign players now. The price always drops as February approaches. The Giants will get more for their money then.

Trauts

Just heard the Pads picked up our Jesus Guzman. Jesus! (Is there an echo in here?) Have we become such an offensive juggernaut that we can afford to let him go? As I recall, he hit convincingly over .300 last year at AAA Fresno, played good defensive ball at 3B and 1B, and had 15 or so HR’s. What is Sabean thinking (and is that an oxymoron?) I sure hope this one doesn’t come back to bite Sabes in his ample posterior, but fear it will. Next we’ll be reading how Coletti stole Uribe away from us, too, to man the 3B spot for the Doggers. The euphoria is quickly wearing off, and Sabean appears to be taking on his old form. (No, not THAT form—the older one.)

Trauts

Orngendblck: Thank you…I find your above comment reassuring—something I feel the need of at this moment. Your points about Uribe are well taken; and I like your idea about O. Cabrerra.

Trauts

Keep’n it real: Wheeler is still projected to not be MLB ready for another 1 or 2 season, but it’s good to be reminded he’s in our arsenal. More immediately, SF has asked Runzler to work this off-season to prepare to compete for the #% starter role which Zito may lose. As far as Dunn goes, he’ll cost too much, and doesn’t bring the defense we need to protect our pitching, IMO. Going into 2011 we are in much stronger position than we were in 2010. And if Panda can get his mojo back, and Belt lives up to his advanced billing, we’ll have all the firepower we’ll need to win the West once again. We’ll break from the starting gate in 2011 with a healthy Franchez at 2B, Posey as our starting catcher, Torres as our starting CF, Huff firmly ensconced at 1B or OF,and
Bumgarner as our #4 starter—all of which are terrific improvements over what we began last year’s season with. Add to that the likelhihood that Bochy won’t have to play Russian Rouletter every game with his lineup and we’re waaaaaay ahead of last year.

Jared

Jesus Guzman is just another career minor leaguer who bashes AAA pitching. no need to worry about him.

dregarx

ClutchUp:

Scutaro had a really good season with Toronto in 2009, hitting really well. He didn’t do so well last year but was still an average shortstop in the American League and had a pectoral injury (not sure about the exact upper-body muscle) that affected his ability to hit.

He isn’t a plus defender anymore but he takes a lot of pitches which will get other teams into the bullpen and help all of our other hitters out and as long as we are going for a stopgap, he might as well be a patient and disciplined hitter.

We can hope for a boost to his stats on moving to the NL, but that’s just a theory that some people have, not something to be counted on.

dregarx

Jared is right. Guzman isn’t any good as a hitter.

Bowker hit better in AAA and Posey had the support of the scouts. Guzman did/has neither.

Scout Finch

that rumor about Jose Reyes being available is intriguing.

too bad the Mets will apparently ask for the moon and that he will earn 11mil.

but the thought of a healthy Jose Reyes at short and leading off is scary. all of a sudden the Giants would have defense and speed.

as Schulman tweeted: sounds like a better trade deadline player.

nomisnala

If Pablo can lose himself some 60 lbs. this Winter, maybe
he fights for the shortstop position. Pablo says he can play
shortstop or centerfield. Now he needs to shed the 4 year
old 60 lb pablo from his 24 year old body. The guy is an
ambidexterous, gifted athlete. Good attitude and a hearty
appetite. Now he just needs to start running and not stop
until spring training. He needs to run so fast the rabbits
cannot catch him down the Mississipi to the Gulf of Mexico.

nomisnala

I have to look at the 2010 thru 2012 seasons as a Huff 25 millioin for 3 years, kind of an 8.33 million per year for 3 years with a 4th year option. Why did we not sign Uribe to at least a 2 year deal last year last year, especially when he was cheaper and one could see this years shortstop scenario coming around the bend.

SFFAN-N-OKC

I for one was telling anyone that would listen that we should have signed Huff to an extension mid-way thru last season. That would have saved at least a few million to help land a SS.

At this point I continue to think Uribe is history and by the time we get thru arbitration we will be looking at Burriss, Crawford or Adrianza to man the SS position due to finances.

If Sabean gives Uribe more that a 2 year contract at 6 million/per we will all be calling for Sabean’s head at the all-star break when Uribe is hitting .230 with 6 HR’s.

nomisnala

I do not think that their is any doubt that Jesus Guzman can hit, but the point that he played good defense, is quite questionable. That has been the stumbling block for him as far as being a national league player. His D, is D minus. I have heard it suggested that an AL team pick him up and groom him fpr DH. Most scouts I have read believe he can hit in the majors but just cannot field on the Major league level.

Damien

Sign Jeter if possible that would be awesome

avwh

Adrianza was added to the 40-man roster last week – anybody got a scouting report on him?

He must be reasonably close to being MLB-ready, or they wouldn’t have used a roster spot for him.

nomisnala

Signing Jeter would get some national attention. Some love from ESPN. If the Yanks piss him off too much, he will go to Boston just for spite.

Uribe should be offered renteria’s last contract with the giants…seems fair to me.

howrydoody

But if uribe wants the sun and the moon scuturo should be heavily considered.

Scout Finch

Banking that Uribe will command at least 2/16

MLBFAN3636

Brandon Belt will make the team with a strong showing in Spring Training. If this occurs, Huff will be moved to Left, Torres in center, and Ross in right. Brnadon Belt’s power could easily replaced Uribe’s if the Giants are not able to resign Uribe

SFFAN-N-OKC

Scouting report on Adrianza is he is 21 yo Venezelan with a plus glove and range that was big league ready at 19. His bat is lagging behind a bit and he he has not played above single A. He made the 40 man roster because he is the future at the position and we had to protect him from the rule 5 draft as he has been in our system since he was 16.

SFFAN-N-OKC

Brandon Belt should make the team out of spring and after I watched him in the Az fall League championship I am sold on him being ready due to great plate discipline and an above average glove.

Taggie

I will never understand this; would Huff walk away from a good team he obviously enjoys playing for with teammates he “loves” to go to some random team for, say, 20 million? Everyone always says, “Money talks” or some crap like that but my goodness – wouldn’t 10 million a year be enough? So you go to what may be a loser team for another mil? WTF!?! I would not pay it, period, for the principle if no other reason.

al oha

#97,

Having said that and also knowing Belt’s OBP, Power, and above-average Speed is better than most already in the G’s starting lineup, he will be sent down as one of the last cuts. It won’t be because he doesn’t belong, but rather to not start his “Arbitration Clock” a year earlier, just as they did with Buster Posey.

Overspending on Aubrey Huff, when there are more pressing needs at other positions, is the Sabean mistake M.O. I don’t mean to demean what Huff meant to winning the W.S. Championship in any way, but you still have to be smart going forward. And the Giants are now negotiating from a position of power, where players should take less to be a part of a winning organization. Aubrey would have taken way less, especially if Sabean would have inked him on the plane home after W.S. game #5. Ned Colletti knows what Sabean is thinking. He is pushing the numbers up to squeeze the Giants into having a weaker roster than possible. He will next bid on Uribe, he’s just figuring what that limit price is.

Winning the World Series is the ultimate deodorant. Brian Sabean has done some great things and deserves big credit, namely drafting outstanding pitching. The Scouts, Dick Pole, Dave Righetti, and Mark Gardiner deserve recognition for drafting and developing some of that. Sabean has also lucked out that some cheap solutions became available during the season. But, some of his mistakes and bad contracts have and are STILL hamstringing this organization from becoming the Dynasty it could be and hopefully won’t keep them from being able to hang on to their ELITE starting pitchers for the rest of their effective careers.

al oha

Shortstop and another Catcher who can hit and handle the pitchers, are their most pressing needs.

They have an overload of possibilities to play first base. Thanks to the discovery of Cody Ross and emergence of Torres and now the signing of Huff, the Outfield is no longer the weakness it used to be.

I believe they should offer Uribe a reasonable contract, but if he won’t sign, then go with one of the young SS, either Burris, Crawford, or Adrianza. The Huff signing pretty much seals the deal on Uribe being elsewhere. He’ll want big money like Huff got. Some team will offer him more than Sabean will want to spend. If one of the young SS’s doesn’t emerge as a bonifide everyday player then tell Edgar to stay in shape and sign him for Sept. 1, 2011. He’ll come cheap by then and for only a couple of months, which is all he’d be good for. He’d be in the training room all next year anyways.

Another Catcher will be huge going forward. MLB is planning to extend the playoffs by adding more Wild Card teams. Buster is young and came up late, not taking on starting catching duties until Bengie was traded. But, he was starting to wear down towards the end, even though he was still outstanding. I believe he needs to catch less than full-time next season. About 70% at catcher, 25% at THIRD BASE, and 5% as a Pinch Hitter (day off). Sure, come October you want him in there, but hopefully Bochy knows this already and will insure that Buster is 100% when the Giants need him most, and for a VERY LONG TIME.

Sabes, if anyone should have a 7-year $125 million dollar contract or a 5-year $60 million dollar contract, it shouldn’t have been Zito and Rowand.

That’s the kind of contracts you give to TIM LINCECUM and BUSTER POSEY. Lock these two up ASAP.

al oha

Happy Thanksgiving!

Is this the happiest Thanksgiving a Giants Fan has ever had?

CB

Baggs,
Kudos to Giants re-signing Huff. The Rally Thong is back. Next on Agenda, should be to sign or trade for a short stop. The options in free agent are Juan Uribe and Miguel Tejada with Derek Jeter as a longshot and via trade, Jason Bartlett or Marco Scutaro with Jose Reyes a longshot due to the Mets asking price. Worst case scenario, the Giants stand pat and re-sign Burrell and give top prospect Brandon Crawford or Emmanuel Burriss a shot at short stop. Derosa’s versatility to play all infield spots and corner outfield, will always be there to fill-in at short. DeRosa’s range at short might be limited these days then when he first came in to the bigs as a short stop. DeRosa could be an option, just like Uribe bounced there after playing 2nd base and 3rd for the White Sox and Giants after starting off as a short stop with the Rockies and his first years with the White Sox. DeRosa, like Uribe, could surprise some people that shortstop comes natural for those guys, because that was their primary position coming up to the bigs. And they just learned to play other positions and prove versatile.

CB

But I’d rather see the Giants sign Miguel Tejada for a bargain, rather than give up a lot for Jose Reyes, or spend some dough on a 36 year old Derek Jeter past his prime. But I must say I’d love to Jose Reyes in the orange and black and Jeter isn’t a bad option there either, even at 36. I want U-Ribe back, but I just don’t see it happening. He wants a multi-year contract and there are some teams who will spend a lot more on him than the Giants want to. Giants are probably looking at a one-year deal with a team option for a 2nd year on Uribe. Other than that, lets Go Giants. We need Burrell back no matter what if he is a starter in left or a big bat off the bench. Its like the Bash Brothers in Mighty Ducks, you cannot have just One bash brother, you need both of them or they will feel incomplete. We don’t want huff always filling incomplete. Lets get the Huff Daddy and Pat the Bat reunion and start the 2011 season with a bang.

CB

Huff’s Salary and contract are well deserved. He made 3 million last year on a bargain and put up close to MVP-type numbers. He can play the corner outfield spots besides just first base. He is only making 10 million in 2011. That isn’t much. It pretty much replaces the 10 million we saved on not taking Renteria’s option. Pretty much the only dead weight we have is Rowand and Zito’s Contract. The Good news is Rowand is a free agent after 2011 or 2010 season. So maybe we can trade him midway through the season or at the end of this season. Zito, on the other hand, we are stuck for a few more seasons as the highest paid and best 5th starter in the bigs.

toomanycrazies

enough with the chatter about trading dirty…you all are crazy…kiss are chances goodbye if that move is made which i highly, highly doubt…

i just don’t understand the fascination with the dirty for a bat talk, it’s just plain stupid…if madbum has a strong to great year this year, maybe trading dirty will surface in 2012….

remember dirty went 13-9 and had some of the best numbers in MLB

timmy, matty, and dirty our still our base until madbum proves himself over a full year….and even then, having 4 strong starters almost guarantees playoffs year in and year out..

crazy sanchez trade talk, crazy….FP needs to stop

WORLD F#@$#@#G CHAMPIONS……suck it LA

toomanycrazies

HAPPY THANKSGIVING…
I AM GRATEFUL FOR MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND THE 2010 GIANTS

HUMM BABY 4 LIFE

Lance Newberry

This is not part of any conversation happening here, and it’s a little long but I had a friend send this along today and I thought I’d share it here. As us Dead Heads like to say, We Are Everywhere…

(and a damn classy move by our team is revealed in this story as well)

“Waterbury, CT
On Sept. 29, 1954, Joe Fiore attended his first Major League baseball game. It was Game 1 of the 1954 World Series between the New York Giants and the Cleveland Indi­ans at the Polo Grounds.

It was the day that Willie Mays made the greatest catch, at the greatest moment, top of the eighth of a tie game, in Series his­tory. Fiore was nine years old at the time, but the impres­sionable youngster be­came hooked on one thing for the rest of his life: The Giants.

The Giants went on to sweep the Indians and win the ‘54 Se­ries.

On Nov. 1, 2010, Fiore watched his last baseball game. This time he was in his easy chair in Florida. He had waited 56 years to see this, but his beloved Giants had just won an­other World Series by beating the Texas Rangers in five games.

He said to his wife, Linda, something we all say from time to time: “I don’t care what hap­pens now,” he said, “I’ll never see the Giants win another Se­ries.”

Three days later Fiore, who suffered from a weak heart — in fact, during the 2010 playoff series with the Phillies he took nitroglycerin pills to get through games —died of a heart attack at his New Smyrna Beach, Fla. home. He was 65.

Fiore came home to Water­bury, where he had worked as a cab and truck driver, and was buried this past Monday.

His younger brother, Do­minic, delivered a moving eulo­gy, most of it, naturally, concerned those beloved Gi­ants. When he was finished, he went to a box and pulled out one dozen Giants baseball caps — sent by the World Champion San Francisco Giants — and handed them out to family.

At New Pine Grove Ceme­tery, as family and friends said their final goodbyes to Joe Fiore, they all wore Giants caps. The family stayed Giants fanatics even when the franchise moved west, along with the Brooklyn Dodgers, following the 1957 season.

“We weren’t happy when they moved,” Dominic said, “but we stayed loyal to the Giants all these years, especially Joey.”

The Giants never stopped being the passion of Fiore’s life. When all Giants games became available thanks to cable and satellite packages, Fiore purchased an Internet subscription and watched every pitch, of every inning, of every game, on his home computer.

That wasn’t easy when you live on the east coast and the team plays on the west.

“He’d sit in front of the computer nodding off,” recalls wife Linda, “and tell me, ‘Don’t forget to wake me up for the game.’” Joe and Linda drove to Arizona to watch spring training games in March of 2010, and whenever they came home to see family in Waterbury, he would catch Giants’ minor league games in Norwich.

Fiore was in his glory when the Giants moved a minor league franchise to Waterbury in 1966.

“He followed the players in the minor leagues, and he would always tell me about these young kids, like Madison Bumgarner, who was his favorite, and Buster Posey,” said Dominic. “Even when he’d come back and stay at my house for a month, he would not miss one pitch of a Giants game.

“We talked a lot during the playoffs and the World Series, and after they won, he said he was going to go out to San Francisco for opening day next season,” Dominic said.

That gave Dominic Fiore an idea. He contacted the Giants and told the team about his late brother’s devotion. The club sent a letter of condolence to Linda, and shipped overnight one dozen Giants caps to ensure they’d make it to Waterbury for the funeral.

“The caps arrived 10 hours after I had talked with the team,” said Dominic Fiore.

There weren’t many dry eyes in the Christ Community Church Monday when Dominic handed out the hats, and closed his moving tribiute to his brother with these words: “We are all Giants fans, but Joey, you are our giant.”

Using simple hindsight, Sabean could have easily and cheaply locked both Huff and Uribe down for 2 yrs. last year. Chose to spend money on DeRosa and Molina instead. Let’s not overvalue the job he (Sabean) did.

As for Dunn, you don’t sign Huff and switch him to OF if you plan to make a play for him. We need LF, SS and 3B more than Dunn.

Jeter, overpriced garbage, give Uribe a 2yr deal with club option and hope he signs.

Keep Dirty, can you image the Dodgers or Pads eventually winding up with him. Probably look like CY pitching against the Giants. The bat he would fetch wouldn’t be what some of you envision and may not be near as effective at AT&T.

R Frank

Why not Rafael Furcal? The Dodgers may be ready to offload some guys, and isn’t Furcal @ $10M per year?

Scout Finch

100 Aloha:

I would also like to see the Giants upgrade at back up backstop: someone who can handle the bat with some pop and do a decent job behind the plate.

Gradually phase Posey out of catching year by year.

Nate’sMom

Looks like J.J. Hardy will be available if the Twins can work out a contract with Nishioka.

Do you guys feel the Giants should trade for Hardy or wait to see if he’s non-tendered?

RealBobbyBonilla

Jeter is not garbage. Had a bad year, yes. Garbage no!

RealBobbyBonilla

@ Al oha….Dick Pole is Dusty Bakers OLD pitching coach. Maybe Tidrow?

al oha

#112,

Of course, you are correct, my bad. Wrong Dick. Dick Tidrow is currently the scouting director for the San Francisco Giants, overseeing the farm system.

RealBobbyBonilla

@ Nates mom…

IMO lets see if Hardy is non tendered. Whats your boy up to this late Nov?

Same O

While I like Huff, they have once again limited themselves by overpaying for this guy. I agree with the above that they have more pressing needs. We will see if Huff can prove he is worth it

Hey, what about Migel Tejada? HR power, good SS, may come reasonably cheap, a little leverage in negotiations with Uribe for SS, and maybe more incentive for Pablo?

RF

Huff’s signing is a no brainer and should be a value. He obvioulsy provided a great connection with the fans, provided great stability to the clubhouse and for any of us who played or followed the game, you can’t underestimate the “leadership factor” in a clubhouse. He and Edgar, what can you say? You heard it from the players what those two did for them down the stretch. While Sabean’s moves the past few years did raise questions (I too), you can’t argue the “mix” he worked out this year was productive. Interesting to see how DeRosa comes to ST (is he really OK this year?), then ensure you keep Travis and Nate as solid role players for stability late in games and spot starts. Seems that if we toss in a third option for the left side of the infield equation (Uribe, Panda, and ?? who then vie for the 2 spots) could increase dedicated off-season solidity to coming back in shape. CF with Torres seems a lock (hopefullly move Rowland for at least something), DeRosa in left (?) and an opening in right??
Damn I love baseball. How long till Spring Training?

Nate’sMom

@RealBobby–It doesn’t seem as if my boy is playing winter ball right now. I know that Manny Burriss and Francisco Peguero are playing, but not really making alot of noise offensively, which probably why the Giants are looking for an experienced ss.

Nate’s brother ran over some people while under the influence. He and his family may be taking care of that ugly business this winter.

As for the Huff signing: The Giants needed LH-power, and Huff not only gives tham that, but unlike some of these crybabies (Berkman, Dunn, & Werth), he loves SF and likes hitting at AT&T.

Bochyism

I don’t think those of you who either don’t want Uribe at all or want someone else at SS know what you are talking about…
I have read alot of comments for Jason bartlet…
HE CAN”T HIT WORTH A HILL OF BEANS !!!
URIBE made 6 Errors at SS Last year and played there more than any other Giant. In case some of you haven’t noticed WE WON THE WORLD SERIES for the first time in 52 years with him !!! Kinda says something.
In 2009 he didn’t get to play full time he had like 384 at bats and he still hit 16 homeruns… if you project his HOMERUNS and RBI’s from 2009 over an entire season it comes out to the same kind of production he delivered in 2010. He is only 31 years Old… IF The Giants let him GO they are IDIOTS !!! I can’t see anybody at that position that is going to give them as much production as Uribe at that position… Maybe Tejada but… then again maybe not and he will cost alot more than URIBE did.
With anybody (who is realistically available
) other than URIBE The Giants are not going to be anywhere near as good.

and someone from the Baltimore Sun thinks Miguel Tejada will be this season’s best bargain (2011’s Aubrey Huff ?).

Mike Souza

The people who are saying that the GIANTS shopuld sign Derek Jeter are really uneducated & delusional. I want Uribe back, but not for absurd money. No matter what I am still on cloud 9 because we are World Series Champs & I have faith Sabean will make a surprising impact move this offseason.

WillD

Does anyone out there know when the Rule 5 draft is?

Tahoe Dirt

Uribe will end up costing too much- We were lucky to pull off that fiasco hiding Freddy’s injury last year- Don’t think we’ll be so fortunate this year. 22 for Huff was not cheap- I was thinking more like 16. Fatlo isn’t going to change, so it’s 1st base and then off to the AL for DH duty. Huff’s worst position is 3rd base- He has had trouble there in the past. Left side of IF problamatic

howrydoody

Scoit finch
Urban is an idiot…if he thinks uribe is only worth one year and five million on the open market then he needs to get himself a new gig. Uribe is worth about 8 to 9 million a year for two years on the market, remember he is the best free agent short stop out there. Wether he is worth that is doubtful, but it wouldn’t be the worse contract to give either

Who am I to judge Sabes when his team just won us the World Freakin’ Series??? Thanks Sabes!!! But here I go anyways!

At age 34, Huff should not have be offered $22 million. Like others have said, $15 or $16 million sounds fair – if he doesn’t bite, go after another fish. He was our team’s best hitter. Although Huff’s position versatility and his attitude/clubhouse demeanor are AWESOME pluses, let’s not forget Huff is a BELOW average defensive option at BOTH positions. Brandon Belt also may be ready to play THIS season and is a great cheap option. Plus, everyone seems able to play SOME 1b on this team – Belt, Sandoval, DeRosa, Posey, Ishikawa – that 1b seems less of an emergency.

Uribe is my choice as the top off-season priority – starting SS, backup 3b and 2b. He plays all three positions adequately. His production numbers – HRs and RBIs were right there with Huff as best on the team – and didn’t hit in the more lucrative 3-4-5 holes like Huff did. Uribe’s batting average was 40 or so points lower than Huff, but SS is a most difficult position to get hitting from – just like the Catcher’s spot. Uribe is a few years younger than Huff. Uribe, like Huff, is a great guy/Clubhouse guy who also deserves a big raise from last season on performance. Losing Uribe’s production, glove, and versatility is more critical to the team right now. Pay Uribe!

Daveo

Soooo Glad that Aubrey is on the roster for a while. He impressed me from the very beginning of the season. His performance improved incrementally all season until the last month or so. Maybe he became a little tired or the pressure got to him the tiniest bit? He did have a few injuries, now that I think of it.

I’m not sure, but after he wins a World Championship in his first-ever winning season in ten years, think how motivated he’s gonna be come February!

By the way, was that by any chance Aubrey on Car Talk last week?

Don’t know if any of you caught the show, but I happened to hear a caller last week who’s voice is a dead ringer for Huff Daddy. ~47 minutes in.

It seems he can’t get his new Crown Vic (police interceptor model) over 110. Sounded suspiciously like our man.

Anybody know for sure?

oil can boyd

baggs-
The Gs are now paying the price for their blind luck in getting Huff, Uribe, Burrell and Ross so cheaply in 2010. They need to re-sign all four-
Uribe for $5M for 2 years, Ross for $4M for 2 years and Burrell for $3M for two years. Smoothing their salaries plus Huff’s over three years (2010- 2011-2012) gives the Gs a resaonable average of $18 M for 4 players or $4.5 M per year.

Not a bad deal when you consider that the worthless Rowand will be making $12M for each of these three years.

OCB

Nate’sMom

Goodbye, Juan. Enjoy that Ddoger Blue money.

Now, a loss (of a player) is also an opportunity for a creative GM. Perhaps someone with some speed at ss?

Peter Scarpia

Okay we won the whole shooting match, now lets go young so we can watch quality baseball for the next 5-6 years. Id rather we take our lumps in 2011 in order to build a youthful homegrown team.

cadan

As much as I love what Uribe did for the Giants this year, mainly in the postseason, he had another inconsistent year and I think Colleti is nuts for giving him 3yr/21M….There is no way Sabean could match that, we will just have to hope DeRosa comes back healthy and fills that void…and we look at another option like Bartlett

On the bright side I do not see the Dodgers as a major threat after spending 12M this year on Garland and Uribe (yes i know id rather have them than Rowand but lets move on)

This is exactly what happens when you have to scramble around; mix and match; and overpay players just to avoid losing them to big market teams. You had your one year run and now its going to fall apart you fans. Enjoy another 54 years of not winning a title. This is reality and nobody is trying to spoil your fun……you had the title this years and now it’s going to crumble.

avwh

Dodgers might get their money’s worth in 2011; good luck in 2012 and especially 2013 with that deal.

Nice to know Colletti never got scared off by the Jason Schmidt contract debacle.

Sargento

Cesar Izturis is the best option-NOT the best bat, very good glove plus experience. The Japanese guy Nishioka won’t come cheap. That’s IT.

shortstop

How about signing Derek Jeter?

U can sign him for 2yrs 1.5 million …cuz you just blew your budget on huff

Sharkalchemy

Get the Japanese guy. I don’t anything about him, but if his wife is as hot as Shinjo’s, lets see wussup wit dat.

But hey #137,

Ive been as critical as anyone on Sabean’s Way…but it worked. And you too, if given 13 years of job security, could do wonders in your vocation as well in any given year. But that’s not the point.

The philosophy worked. period. We all knew if given the chance in the playoffs the G’s could very well may a run all the way with the pitching. Many sensed that just with Lince and Cain 2 years ago when Madbum was throwing rocks against a barn still.

so, the philosophy is too mix and match these offensive pieces and play competent defense and with the pitching the G’s will always be in the mix of a Division title. Given the crapshoot nature of the playoffs, the pitching is the great equalizer, we’ve seen the proof.

Pitching staff is basically intact.

Sabean will get some guys in here, he always does. There is a luck factor involved in a sense which Im not a big fan of really and the left side of the infield is wide open with the organization themselves needing to foster a scenario where it doesn’t work out with Pablo. But that’s not to say they couldn’t improve over last year on that side, they still need to and now they have the chance.

FormerlyReadytoHangMyself

Ouch, knew that was coming. Will be tough to replace Uribe in the lineup. I don’t like the options.

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